Edward's Syndrome "Trisomy 18":

In Edward's Syndrome "Trisomy 18" there is an extra 18th chromosome. It affects all the systems of the body and it causes distinct facial features. Statistics say that Trisomy 18 occurs in 1 in 3,000 live births. Most babies that have Trisomy 18 die before birth. It affects people of all ethnic backgrounds. It is 3 times more common in girls than in boys.It is named after John H. Edwards, who first described the syndrome in 1960. This birth defect cannot be inherited.


Symptoms of Edward's Syndrome "Trisomy 18"

  • Mental Retardation and Delayed Development

  • High Muscle Tone

  • Seizures

  • Physical Malformations

  • Small Head

  • Small Eyes

  • Wide-Set Eyes

  • Congenital Heart Defects

  • Clenched Hands

  • 2nd and 5th fingers on top of the others.

Diagnosis:

Most babies are diagnosed with "Trisomy 18" before birth by amniocentesis.




Support Groups and Resoures:


Trisomy 18 Foundation


4301 Connecticut Ave. N.W. Suite 404

Washington, D.C. 20008-2369

757-464-5905


Support Organization for Trisomy 18,13, and Related Disorders (SOFT)


Trisomy Families

2982 S Union St

Rochester, NY 14624

716-594-4621

800-716-7638


T18moms.com

Hope For Trisomy 13 & 18



Treatment:

  • Medical Provide nutrition, treating infections, and managing heart problems.

  • Within the first few months of life, if you have Trisomy 18, you are required to have skilled medical care.

peri010.jpg
baby born that has Edward's Syndrome "Trisomy 18"
trisomy18a.jpg
Symptoms of Edward's Syndrome "Trisomy 18".

Discussion Questions:

  1. Who is Edward's Syndrome "Trisomy 18" named after?

  2. What are 4 symptoms of Edward's Syndrome "Trisomy 18"?

  3. Can Edward's Syndrome "Trisomy 18" be inherited?

Sources:

http://rarediseases.about.com/cs/chromosome18/a/050104.htm

http://www.lucinafoundation.org/birthdefects-trisomy18.html

http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=trisomy18